Sophie Donelson, editor in chief of House Beautiful magazine, discusses Universal Design and the trendiest colors for spring.

Q: When some people think of home design, they automatically think of decorating. Can you define the term design?

SD: Aesthetics is the first thing we think of, but an equal part of interior design is the function of a space. When considering improvements for our homes, it’s essential to consider not just what will look pretty, but what will feel good. Often, a project related to improved function has the greatest payoff for your quality of life. It could be as simple as adding a hook for a kitchen towel right in the spot you’d reach for one, or clearing out a drawer enough to open and close it without friction. I can’t tell you how many people I talk to (myself included) for whom a new closet system has been truly life-changing.

Q: What’s the next big thing in building and home design?

SD: It strikes me that there’s a bit of fatigue in the world of home design. There have never been more options for shopping, more education about paint colors and decorating ideas, more inspiring images at our fingertips, but it’s not always easy to recognize which ideas will make the most positive impact on your life. Something I promote at House Beautiful every issue is addressing the personal, emotional needs in interior design. The idea being to make your passions, healthy habits and family the driving force of your home’s design. On a personal note, you can use the inside of cupboards and medicine cabinets to tack up family photos or inspiring postcards — a wonderful surprise when you open it. For added fitness, take a note from Atlanta designer Sherry Hart’s routine. Sherry keeps her workout clothes and gear all together so it’s ready to go, and then places her alarm clock across the bedroom, forcing her to — literally — get up. Once she’s up, she’s organized. No excuses! Consider if there are ways your home can get you closer to your goals.

Q: If I want my home to just function smoothly, where do I begin?

SD: One of the practices I often return to is Universal Design, which refers to creating homes, products and experiences that suit people of all abilities. Here’s a few tenets of Universal Design. One is flexibility in use, such as a pair of scissors that can be used by a rightie or a leftie (most can’t). Another is low physical effort, such as a door lever versus a doorknob. Interestingly, though Universal Design is often referenced for aging in place, there are also myriad applications for the very young. A knob is as challenging for a toddler as it is for someone suffering from arthritis. The seam between rugs and the floor is a hazard for those learning to walk and those struggling to walk. In the bathroom, consider how smaller floor tiles and more grout can naturally reduce slippage — no bathmat needed. You don’t have to be young or old to appreciate that. Plainly put, Universal Design is just gooddesign. Anyone thinking about remodeling would do well to check out resources on Universal Design.

Q: Is there anything I should apply right away?

SD: Handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms are just common sense. Replacing knobs with lever handles is a simple handyman swap and most handy people can even change knobs for D-shaped drawer handles themselves. To reward your forward-thinking, consider a purchase from the Good Grips line from Oxo, one of our favorite vendors for kitchen tools and household goods. The line was founded when the designer set out to create a vegetable peeler that was easy to hold and use, regardless of strength or manual dexterity. The rest of the products follow suit and are fun and intuitive to use.

Q: On the style front, what’s trending this spring into summer?

SD: On the color front, expect a mellow arrival of spring. The trending colors are lavender and cafe au lait. In the magazine’s April issue, we explore the new look of lavender. The hue of the season includes a touch of gray that gives it longevity and removes any lingering sweetness associated with the color. Next month we’re looking at how the pairing of cafe au lait and white are shaping up to be the new “blue and white.” Not that blue and white will ever get old in our book, but the neutral version feels fresh and unexpected for spring. And that’s universally lovable.